Otophorines

Otophorines are a group of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Sauropterygia, which also includes nothosaurs and plesiosaurs. They are notable for their unique adaptations and specialized feeding habits, particularly their elongated snouts and specialized teeth. Otophorines are considered part of the clade Plesiosauria, though their exact phylogenetic placement has been debated among paleontologists.

The name "Otophorines" derives from the Greek words *otos* (ear) and *phoros* (bearing), referencing the distinctive ear region of these reptiles. They are known primarily from fossils found in marine deposits dating from the Late Triassic to the Early Jurassic periods, approximately 220 to 190 million years ago. Their distribution spans regions including Europe, North America, and possibly parts of Asia.

Otophorines were semi-aquatic predators, likely feeding on fish, cephalopods, and other small marine creatures. Their elongated snouts and conical teeth suggest a diet of fast-moving prey, while their streamlined bodies and paddle-like limbs indicate efficient swimming. Some species, such as *Otophorus*, exhibit a pronounced elongation of the skull, which may have been used for capturing slippery prey or as a display feature.

Fossil evidence of otophorines is relatively scarce compared to other sauropterygians, limiting detailed studies of their anatomy and behavior. However, their skull morphology and dental structure provide insights into their ecological niche. Otophorines are often distinguished from other plesiosaurs by their more primitive skull features, such as the absence of a secondary palate, which may have restricted their ability to hold prey underwater.

While otophorines were once thought to be closely related to early plesiosaurs, modern research suggests they represent a distinct lineage within Sauropterygia. Their study contributes to understanding the evolutionary diversification of marine reptiles during the Mesozoic Era.